As an antidote to the unsatisfactory middle school science textbooks
discussed by John Hubisz and his team, here are excerpts on the exemplary
FAST middle school science program, copied/pasted from the U.S. Dept. of
Education "Expert Panel" website. FAST and Modeling Instruction are the
only 2 programs designated as EXEMPLARY.
Cheers,
Jane Jackson
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Foundational Approaches in Science Teaching (FAST) is recommended as an
Exemplary science program.
Program Description.
Foundational Approaches in Science Teaching (FAST) is a sequence of three
inquiry science courses designed specifically to address the developmental
needs of students ages 12 to 15. The three courses are:
(a) FAST 1, The Local Environment;
(b) FAST 2, Matter & Energy in the Biosphere; and
(c) FAST 3, Change over Time.
In each course, content is organized into three strands called physical
science, ecology, and relational study. Relational study focuses on the
interrelationships of the science disciplines and the interactions of
science and society. The goal of this comprehensive program is the
development of a scientifically literate student who has (a) the background
necessary for understanding environmental concerns arising in our
technological society and (b) the foundational tools for further study in
the sciences. The principal objectives of FAST are to develop knowledge of
concepts that are foundational to modern science and to develop laboratory
and thinking skills, such as using symbolic tools employed in science,
engaging in scientific inquiry, and using scientific knowledge for making
decisions. Special emphasis is placed on students communicating what they
have learned through oral and written reports, graphing, etc.
Professional Development Resources and Program Costs.
FAST is used by over 5000 teachers in 36 states, and 10 foreign countries.
It has a support network of 14 universities and a cadre of 75 certified
instructors. The program recommends that the local educational agency
designate a local coordinator at the district/school level.
Teachers participate in a 10-day, 70-hour, on-site institute before
teaching FAST. ...
Program Quality.
Reviewers found that the program's goals and objectives are clear and
provide middle school students with a solid foundation for sound
decision-making as adult citizens and in preparation for productive
science-based careers. The goals are consistent with the constructivist
approach to learning. Content is aligned with the program's learning goals
and emphasizes several topics, which are covered in depth over the
three-year length of the program. Each area of science is studied
extensively and then brought together through study of the ecology of the
local environment. ...
Usefulness to Others.
Reviewers concluded that the program provides ample training materials and
support to ensure successful implementation. Intensive pre-implementation
training and follow-up support are readily available at a reasonable cost.
Educational Significance.
The program's learning goals reflect the vision promoted in the national
standards, and an independent assessment determined that FAST was
well-aligned with these standards. Reviewers noted that the goals are
serious, significant, and well-developed. The program is of sufficient
scope, duration, and importance to make a positive difference in student
learning.
Program Effectiveness and Success.
Reviewers found convincing evidence, stretching over nearly 25 years of the
program and across numerous implementation sites, to conclude that FAST has
a positive impact on student learning. Numerous well-designed evaluation
studies revealed statistically significant improvement in student learning
...